Alexandra & Adrian
Alexandra and Adrian went glamorous for their chic winery wedding. Suave black bow ties, an elegant backless wedding gown and a sparkling reception only served to compliment the beautiful story that was told when Alexandra and Adrian tied the knot. Catherine Forge Photography was there to capture the day.
Alexandra tells the story of how the happy couple came to be. “I first locked eyes with Adrian at our local gym but we never made contact. I was in the market searching for a new car and to my surprise, he was the man that greeted me at the dealership and introduced himself to me. I purchased the car that instant and the rest is history!”
The bride worked with Annette of Melbourne Couture to make her gown, remembering, “I knew what I wanted and sketched the dress myself and went to Annette of Melbourne to have it made. I really wanted to find a dressmaker that understood my vision for the dress. I went for a high neck backless dress that shaped my body. The only detail it had was using the silk to bandage around my neck and hips. Annette surprised me and added more detailing to the lower back which was my favourite part of my dress.”
Alexandra and Adrian married at Zonzo Estate, remarking, “Zonzo surpassed my expectations. With its’ breathtaking views and wood fired oven pizza, we both felt at home the second we stepped onto the venue. We had Briana from Zonzo coordinating our day. Nothing was too difficult for her and she made sure our day ran just exactly as we had imagined. Saying our vows with the amazing scenery in the background added that touch of beauty to what we were promising in front of our family and friends. Once in the venue for the reception the sun began to set and looking through the glass windows we had a view of the vineyards and mountains – it was truly the perfect venue to dance the night away.”
Choosing Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph”, the bride remembers walking down the aisle as one of the highlights of the day. “I remember I was so nervous getting out of that car until my father held my hand and I calmed very quickly. This was one of my favourite moments that I will cherish – that minute you look at your father and realise what he has done for you all your life. As we walked down together and our guests saw my father and I, I remember hearing loud clapping and cheers. Once I locked eyes with Adrian I started to smile and funnily enough, I begin to laugh!”
“Adrian and I didn’t let go of each others’ hands throughout the ceremony. I remember thinking to myself “wow you are so handsome”! I had one reading by my beautiful cousin Vanessa that she prepared on her behalf that represented Adrian and our relationship. It’s such a spiritual moment having your family and friends witness you and your best friend taking your next step in life together.”
Garry Lurati officiated the ceremony, the bride remarking, “Adrian and I both come from a European Background (Serbian and Italian) and even though our heritage is beautiful we both decided on having a very relaxed and non-traditional ceremony that we both could understand and connect together with. We had Garry Lurati officiate our ceremony and he really did start the atmosphere of our day and involve everyone from the very beginning.”
“When Adrian picked up his wedding band I told him it was far too small, but he insisted it fitted perfectly. When we exchanged the rings I couldn’t for the life of me put it on him, so he snatched it and put it on himself. It captured one of the funniest moments – everyone was in hysterics!”
Of their photographer, the bride remarks, “It was very important to us to work with a photographer whom we trusted and felt comfortable to be around. Catherine’s passion and energy to photograph definitely enabled us to trust her vision. She had so many amazing ideas and even offered to do a pre-engagement shoot. I was lucky enough to have Catherine’s mother Fiona present on the day also as the second shooter. Fiona was capturing the scenery and guests whilst Catherine focused on Adrian and I. Adrian was so nervous at the beginning of the day and the thing that actually calmed him was Catherine’s presence. I love my photos – they are raw, candid and captured what my wedding felt like. My photos are what remind Adrian and I of the best day of our lives and Catherine and Fiona didn’t skip a beat.”
Eltham Florist styled the green and white floral arrangements for the day, the bride noting, “I had glass ornaments that Briana hung from the ceiling that had flowers and candles in them. Sara my florist decorated the venue with white peonies and greens, and also the arch that we got married under. My favourite feature was the fairy lights that hung outside to create that extra magic touch. Sara went to pick up the flowers from the market and the flowers we had planned on using had been burnt in the Adelaide fires that week. She was amazing and managed to pull together a wonderful alternative!”
“My family is of Serbian heritage and Adrian of Italian, so we included some traditional formalities such as the first dance (Kolo). The Kolo is a Serbian dance and when performed at weddings it signifies that the bride has joined the groom’s family. Our best man wore a Serbian sash to identify himself as the best man and carried a traditional Serbian drink with him in a wooden flask, the Slivovitz plum brandy, which was passed around to all the wedding guests! When the dance floor was in full swing Adrian played his mother and father’s favourite Italian songs, and we had a packed dance floor! It was great to mix the two cultures together.”
Of the first dance, which was to John Legend’s “All of Me” the bride tells, “This song was released the day Adrian and I became engaged, so it was meant to be! Just like the lyrics “you’re crazy “ is very fitting to describe me!”
Congratulations Alexandra and Adrian! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Thank you also to Catherine Forge Photography for sharing today’s wedding with us!
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